Join us at the 2026 Senior Expo

Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce
Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce
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    • Become a Member
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      • Community Events
      • Business Expo
      • Senior Expo
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      • Taste of Houghton Lake
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      • Advertising & Media
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      • Arts & Entertainment
      • Auto, Aviation, Marine
      • Banquets Events Catering
      • Business & Professional
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      • Employment & Staffing
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      • Pets & veterinary
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      • Religious Organizations
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      • Transportation
      • Travel, Lodging & Tourism
    • Area Information
      • Area Information
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  • Home
  • Become a Member
  • Events
    • Community Events
    • Business Expo
    • Senior Expo
    • Tip Up Town USA
    • Taste of Houghton Lake
  • Directory
    • Business Directory
    • Advertising & Media
    • Agriculture, Fishing, For
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Auto, Aviation, Marine
    • Banquets Events Catering
    • Business & Professional
    • Communications
    • COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOG
    • Construction
    • Employment & Staffing
    • Finance & Insurance
    • Government & Education
    • Healthcare
    • Home & Garden
    • Industrial Manufacturing
    • Non Profit
    • Other
    • Personal Services
    • Pets & veterinary
    • Public Utilities & Enviro
    • Real Estate
    • Religious Organizations
    • Restaurants Food & Drinks
    • Shopping
    • Sports
    • Transportation
    • Travel, Lodging & Tourism
  • Area Information
    • Area Information
    • Area Fishing & Boating




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2027 Schedule Coming Soon!

2027 Tip Up Town Badges

Please contact the Chamber office if you are interested in selling 2027 Tip-Up Town USA Badges.

Thank you to the following locations for selling badges in 2026: 

  • Angelo's Party Store
  • Back Door Saloon
  • Beachfront Hotel
  • Four Seasons Party Store
  • Houghton Lake Provisioning Center
  • Kilcare
  • Laura's Needful Items
  • Lake House Meats & Deli
  • Lyman's on the Lake
  • North Shore Lounge
  • Nottingham Bar
  • R&j's Best Choice Marketplace
  • Spicer's Boat City
  • Sunrise Marathon
  • Bucilli's Pizza
  • Copper Kettle Distilling
  • Family Fare
  • Korbinski's Marine
  • Kronner's Pharmacy
  • MJ's Eatery
  • Powell's Eatery
  • Springbrook Inn
  • Walmart
  • Wild's True Value


Apply to be the 2027 Tip-Up Town Queen

As we prepare to celebrate 77 Years of Family Fun at Tip-Up Town USA® on January 23, 24, and 30, 2027, the Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce is officially looking for energetic, community-minded individuals to step forward and represent our area as the 2027 Tip-Up Town Queen! 

This isn't a beauty or talent contest—it’s a celebration of hometown spirit, poise, and community pride. Candidates are evaluated on their knowledge of our local history, enthusiasm for Tip-Up Town, and dedication to the charity or nonprofit organization they represent. 


Best of all? If you are crowned Queen, the official prize money goes directly to your designated nonprofit! Additionally, the Chamber provides a $500 travel budget to help the Queen represent Tip-Up Town at regional parades throughout the year. 

Who Can Apply?

  • Must be 18 years of age or older. 
  • Must currently reside or work in Roscommon County. 
  • Must be an active community member who is well-versed in the history of the area and Tip-Up Town. 
  • Must represent a registered nonprofit or charitable organization. 
  • Must be ready to share your enthusiasm at official TUT 2027 activities and key community events, including the Memorial Day Parade (Houghton Lake), July 4th Parade (Roscommon), Bluegill Festival (St. Helen), and the Fireman's Memorial (Roscommon). 

If you have the spirit to lead, a love for Roscommon County, and a cause close to your heart, we want to hear from you! 

How to Enter:

Applications are available now through the Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce download your copy below and return it via:

  • Email: hlcc@houghtonlakechamber.org 
  • In Person / Mail: Contact the Chamber office to submit your completed 2027 Queen Application. 
  • Fax: 989-366-9472

Help us make the 77th annual Tip-Up Town USA® our best year yet. Nominate yourself or an outstanding community leader today! 

2027 Queen Application (pdf)Download

Photos with past queens & royalty

    Run for 2027 Tip-Up Town mayor & marshall

    Additional Information

     

    Tip-Up Town USA® is turning 77, and we are looking for the ultimate dynamic duo to bring the energy, laughs, and hometown pride as the 2027 Mayor & Marshal! 

    If you and a partner are full of community spirit, possess a great sense of humor, and love entertaining a crowd, it’s time to form your party, pick a catchy platform name, and throw your hats in the ring! 

    The Mayor and Marshal serve as the official ambassadors of fun throughout Tip-Up Town. From campaigning in the community to taking the mic as the MC for the crowd-favorite Polar Bear Dip on Saturday, January 30, 2027, this is your chance to lead the festivities for 77 Years of Family Fun! 

    Candidate Requirements & Guidelines

    • Dynamic Duos: Candidates apply together as a pair (Mayor & Marshal) under a shared "Platform/Party" name. 
    • Age & Residency: Both candidates must currently reside in Roscommon County, be at least 21 years of age, and be able to provide legal proof. 
    • Community Spirit: Possess a great sense of humor and a willingness to positively represent TUT and Roscommon County at all times. 
    • Campaign & Kick-Off: Campaign in an original and humorous manner! Both parties will get a designated corner to display and campaign at the official TUT Kick-Off program on Saturday, January 9, 2027. 
    • Audience Vote: The winning Mayor and Marshal team will be selected and announced by a majority audience vote live at the January 9 Kick-Off event! 
    • Event Participation: Must be willing and prepared to participate in all scheduled TUT 2027 activities, including MC duties for the Polar Bear Dip on January 30th. 

    How to ApplyInterested pairs must submit a completed joint application along with a brief written paragraph about yourselves explaining why you want to serve as the 2027 Mayor and Marshal. (Incomplete applications will not be eligible for consideration.) 

    • Mail / Drop-Off: Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce, 1625 W. Houghton Lake Drive, Houghton Lake, MI 48629 
    • Email: hlcc@houghtonlakechamber.org 
    • Fax: 989-366-9472 

    Gather your partner, start brainstorming your campaign strategy, and get ready to lead the biggest winter party in Michigan! 

    Downloads

    2027 Marshal Mayor Application (pdf)Download

    2027 Event information coming soon!

    2027 Tip Up Town Medallion Hunt Rules

    Download PDF

    2027 Polar Bear Dip Art work competition coming soon



    Shown is the 2026 Polar Bear Dip  Artwork Contest Winning design. Congratulations to  the winning artist, Barb Messer !


    Stay tuned 98.5 WUPS for details on the 2027 Polar bear dip artwork contest.  

    Remember 

    This year if you want to guarantee that you get a polar bear dip sweatshirt you MUST PREREGISTER  (by January 22, 2026 at 4:00pm ). There will be on site registration beginning at noon. Participants who register onsite will receive a polar bear dip medallion.   Sweatshirts will NOT be given to participants that register on-site the day of the event !


    Tip-up town parade information

    2027 Parade Information

    Join the Fun!

    Whether you're a seasoned parade participant or a first-time entrant, we encourage you to join us for this unforgettable event. Let's make the 2027 Tip Up Town USA Parade the most sparkling and shining one yet! For more information on parade registration and guidelines, please contact the Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce. 



    Celebrate Kids Day at Tip-Up Town USA

     Every winter, the picturesque Houghton Lake in Michigan comes alive with the magical and enchanting Tip-Up Town USA festival. It's a time when families and friends gather to celebrate the joys of the season. Amid the snow, ice, and the community's warm spirit, there's a special day dedicated entirely to the youngest members of our community – Kids Day. This year, on Sunday, January 24th, 2027, Kids Day promises to be even more remarkable as the Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce works diligently to ensure that every child in our county has the opportunity to create cherished memories at Tip-Up Town USA.


    Inclusivity and Opportunity for All

    One of the core principles guiding Tip-Up Town USA is the belief that every child should have the chance to experience the joy and wonder of the festival, regardless of their economic status. That's why, each year, the Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce takes steps to make Kids Day accessible to all children in our community.


    To accomplish this, hundreds of special badges are distributed to local schools, including Charlton Heston Academy, Our Lady of the Lakes, Houghton Lake, Skeels and Roscommon Community schools. These badges are exclusively for children in grades 6 and under. The best part? These badges grant kids FREE access to the festival's carnival, games, and activities on Kids Day, which falls on Sunday, January 24th, 2027.


    Securing Your Child's Badge

    If your child is in grade 6 or under at one of the aforementioned schools they will be given a badge in January. If for some reason your qualified child doesn't receive a badge, simply contact the office at your child's school to inquire about the availability of badges. Even if your child is home schooled in Roscommon County and is in grade 6 or under, they can still participate in Kids Day. To get their badge, all you need to do is visit the Houghton Lake Chamber office. 


    The Magic of Kids Day

    Kids Day at Tip-Up Town USA is an extraordinary experience for children and families alike. From exciting carnival rides to delicious treats, interactive games, and the joy of playing in the snow, there's something for every child to enjoy. The festive atmosphere and the spirit of togetherness make Kids Day a cherished tradition in our community. Tip-Up Town USA's Kids Day on Sunday, January 24, 2025, is a celebration of the spirit of our community,  It's a day when the smiles, laughter, and pure joy of our youngest community members shine brightly, reminding us all of the magic that lies within this wonderful festival.


    Let's come together as a community and make Kids Day 2027 at Tip-Up Town USA a day to remember for all the right reasons, a day of inclusivity and delight for every child.

    2027 "Tip-Pup" Town Dog Show

    Get ready for a paw-some event at Tip Up Town USA! The annual Tip-"Pup" Town Dog Show is back and better than ever! Hosted by  The Pet Parlor, this year's show will take place on January 30th at 2 PM.


    Pre-registration will be held at the at the Event Site. Don't miss your chance to sign up your furry friend for a fun-filled day of competition and prizes.

    Categories for this year's show include:

    • Smallest Dog
    • Largest Dog
    • Oldest Dog
    • Youngest Dog
    • Lucky 7's Costume Contest


    2nd Annual Dog Pie Eating Contest! Sponsored by TJ Loopies Sips & Sweets, this exciting event features special dog-safe crusts topped with whipped cream.


    So mark your calendars and bring your furry friends to Tip Up Town USA for a day of tail-wagging fun!

    2027 Polar bear dip Information

    The Polar Bear Dip is a thrilling and popular tradition at the Tip Up Town USA winter festival in Houghton Lake, Michigan. This years event will be held Jan 25th at 1pm. Pre registration is available this year but is not required.  If you want a sweat shirt you MUST pre register. Online registration ends January 20th.  


    There  will be on site registration on Saturday Jan 30th beginning at noon.  Participants who register onsite will receive a polar bear dip  medallion.  


    Date: Jan 30st 2027 1pm


     *  $25 Entry Fee per person *  

    Awards will be given out in the following categories:       

    •  Best Overall Dip 
    • Best Belly flop
    • Best Cannonball 
    • Best Dressed 
    • Most Creative Dip 
    •  Oldest Dipper 
    • Farthest Traveled Dipper
    • Most Frequent Dipper 


    OTHER RULES : 

    • All participants must sign a waiver.   The waiver must be completed in full,  legible,  signed. 
    •  First 4 participants who purchased their dip at the kick-off auction on Jan. 9th do not have to wait in line. 
    • Must have a festival badge
    • Must be 18 years old or 16 with a parent or guardian present.   Participants under the age of 16 will not be allowed to participate.   
    • Please notify at registration if you are a Foreign Exchange Student.   
    • Participants must understand live filming,  social media,  photographers and media personnel, etc. that may be part of a national  or international audience will be present.
    •  No alcoholic beverages or consumption of alcohol.   If it is suspect  you have consumed alcohol,  you may be denied participation.  
    • Participants will not be under the influence of any drugs or substance that impairs their faculties.
    •  Must wear shoes while on the ice 
    • Dressing tents will be available

    2026 vendor applications

    2026 TUT Food Vendor Pkt (pdf)Download
    2026 TUT Merchandise Vendor Pkt (pdf)Download
    2026 TUT Arts & Craft Vendor Form (pdf)Download

    tip up town fishing contest rules & regulations

    Download PDF

    Tip up town Videos

    Check out these great videos to give you a taste of the Tip Up Town USA experience. 

    Did you know our event has it own theme song? Check it out...

    • About Us
    • Tip Up Town USA
    • TUT GUIDE 24

    Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce

    1625 W. Houghton Lake Dr. Houghton Lake, MI 48629

    Phone: (989)366-5644

    Copyright © 2026 Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce - All Rights Reserved.

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